Page 47 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 4

“I never thought the day I walked into a building and got stuck in an elevator with a woman who stole my breath and challenged me at every turn would be the start of my new life. Yet here we are.”

“But, of course, I gave him the wrong phone number when he asked for mine,” I shared with the group.

“No way!” Autumn gasped. “What number did you give him?”

“The pizza place in town,” I grinned.

“That’s hilarious! Bet sexy businessman didn’t expect to have to chase after you.” Autumn teased.

“Very true,” Jack answered good-naturedly. “But low and behold, who was standing up on that stage looking like the sun had just come out to shed light on my very dark life? None other than my dream woman.”

A collaborative, drawn out “Aww” soared through the room as tears filled my eyes.

“I love you with my whole heart, Summer. I’ll always put you and TJ’s happiness first, and I’ll never forsake the bond we’ve built. I can’t believe I get to spend my life with you.” His tone was filled with emotion that I could practically taste.

Instead of clinking our glasses, I jumped up, grabbed both of his cheeks and laid a fat smackaroo on him.

The sweet “Aww” from our group turned into catcalls and hoots and hollers as the kiss went on. I didn’t care.

“I can’t wait to spend my life with you either.” I pecked him lightly on the lips once more. “Sky’s the limit on our happiness.”

“Sky’s the limit,” he repeated. “Now, who’s ready to eat?”

“Oh, my goodness, I’m starved!” I agreed.

Dad waved at the waiters to get things moving, and before I knew it, there was a plethora of platters set in the center of the table with a mix of vegan dishes and what I learned were traditional Norwegian foods. There wasRøkelaks,a smokedsalmon dish Jack was excited to see offered, andBrunost,a sweet brown cheese that was to die for. Of course, Dad ordered a couple of vegetable-based dishes, including pasta, but there were many things to choose from, inspiring a unique discussion between the families about their food preferences. Sometimes I forgot that we were two unique groups of people with vast spiritual and cultural differences. We had a lot to learn about one another, which was another exciting part of this new journey.

When the food was demolished and TJ crashed out against Erik’s chest this time, the resort manager came in with a traditional Norwegian spirit calledAquavit, which I was told was usually shared on special days and holidays such as Christmas.

“This drink is referred to as the ‘water of life’ and is often shared with loved ones. It’s known for being Norway’s national drink,” Henrik announced to the group.

“Water of life? That sounds like my kind of spirit,” Mom gushed.

The waiter filled each person’s small crystal cocktail glass with the liquor as another staff member brought in a volcano-shaped dessert. It looked like at least a dozen or so cake rings that sat on top of one another, each ring smaller than the previous one, creating a pyramid-like structure. There was white icing drizzled all over the cake, and it smelled divine. Notes of almond and sugar wafting in the air made my mouth water.

Jack puffed up with pride as the unusual wedding cake was placed on the table between us.

“This is aKransekake. A traditional Norwegian wedding cake also called the Lover’s Ring Tree. The cake and its structure are meant to symbolize everlasting love.” He picked up one of the extra pieces lying around the base of the cake, also drizzled with frosting and held it up to my lips. “Taste it.”

I took the bite he offered, keeping my eyes open as the almond and pastry flavors exploded on my tongue. I hummed as I chewed. Jack’s expression was bursting with love and joy as I grabbed a piece and offered it to him.

He slowly took it from my fingertips, swiping his tongue along my thumb as he did so. A shiver of arousal swam from the tips of my fingers, up my arm, and settled in my chest. His pupils dilated, desire swirling in his heated gaze.

Suddenly, I was ready to be done with dinner, and I made my intentions known to the room. “Welp, I think that’s about all the celebrating I want to do here…”

“Atta girl. Go get your man,” Mom said as Jack and I stood.

“You cool with taking TJ for the night and morning?” Jack asked Erik.

“Would be our pleasure,” Erik confirmed. “Besides, he’s crashed out anyway. We’ve got the diaper bag already loaded with everything he needs. Tomorrow, after breakfast, we’ll take him to play in the snow and have lunch out in the town. Give you both a full day together.”

“That would be lovely, guys. Thank you,” I said.

“No problem at all,” Savannah waved her hand. “We want to get in as much time with TJ as we can before we head to Montana. The twins will be here soon, and I really want to be there for Dakota and help out as much as possible.”

“I can totally see that,” I agreed. “If Autumn were preggers, I’d be all over Auntie duty.”

“Fat chance of that happening any time soon. You and Jack will probably have a couple more kids before I even get married. Ugh.” Autumn slumped in her chair, seeming rather sad.

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